herdsman
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɜːdzmən/
US
- /hˈɜːdzmən/
Description
- animal herder
- livestock keeper
- cattle keeper
- flock keeper
- pastoral worker
Imagine rolling hills dotted with sheep, goats, or cattle. A herdsman is a person who looks after these animals, moving them from place to place, keeping them safe, and making sure they have food and water. In the past, this was often more than a job. It was a way of life, closely tied to the land and the seasons. You may not hear the word much in modern city life, but it still fits life on farms, ranches, and in stories from earlier times. It brings to mind open land, daily work outdoors, and a close bond with animals.
The word "herdsman" refers to a person who takes care of livestock, especially animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, or other grazing animals. This person watches over the animals, leads them to pasture, helps keep them safe from danger, makes sure they have water, and keeps an eye on their health.
Historically, the role of the herdsman was important in many cultures. In older farming societies, livestock could be a family's food, wealth, and livelihood, so the person caring for them had an important job. The term appears in literature and religious writing, especially in stories about rural life and people living close to the land.
Today, herdsmen still exist, especially on ranches, farms, and in places where animals are moved across open land. Modern tools may have changed some of the work, but the basic duty is still the same: caring for the animals and guiding the herd safely.
The word is mainly used in a literal sense for someone who works with animals. In some contexts, especially older or literary ones, it can also suggest a simple, land-based way of life. At its heart, "herdsman" is a word rooted in the long tradition of caring for animals that live and move together in a herd.
Examples
- 1
Morning work
At sunrise, the herdsman led the cattle down to the river.
Meaning
a herdsman
a man whose job is to look after animals such as cattle
- 2
Animal care
The old herdsman could tell which cow was missing just by looking at the herd.
- 3
Seasonal migration
During the dry season, herdsmen moved their animals long distances to find water.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- herdsmannoun
Forms
- herdsmenpluralnoun